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I asked myself what the best solution was for talking to yourself too much, and the answer turned out to be blogging! Come follow me on my writerly exploits as I continue to develop the world of Estridia and introduce you to it along the way!
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Synopsis: Exhausted, cynical, and confused, Anna is always there to report for duty. She's part of a clandestine government team that defends the nation against supernatural terrorism—a job that understandably leaves her life in shambles and drives her to drink a little more than she should. Toss in a fear of intimacy with a desire to have friends and lovers like a normal person and, well, Anna is a troubled soul wrapped in a special agent with arcane, magical powers. Waking up hungover at five-thirty in the morning with a zombie-infested apartment building in the heart of DC to deal with, she's knows she's got the makings of the worst morning possible.
About the Author:
J. Hamlet: Everyone needs a hobby. I chose writing. Not one of the easier ones. I chose it at the tender age of 14, churning out terrible science fiction novels that heaped on the cliches and barely hidden tropes of all space operas. Thankfully, those creations reside in the prison of an old Commodore 64 hard drive and several 3.5" disks (kids, ask your parents) in a landfill somewhere. And, let me be clear, the world is better for it. Along the way, I kept writing. Through college. Through grad school. Through the beginning of my career, such as it is. I like to believe I picked up skills. I write genre novels that have characters brimming with personal problems, professional problems, and sexuality. Sure, novels that do this exist. I'm not trying to say they don't, I just think too few of them are out there and I intend to do my personal best to increase their numbers.
Today I am handing the blog over to my dear friend Priya Kanaparti, who is celebrating the release of her book Dracian Legacy--the first in the Dracian Legacy series. I've read an earlier incarnation of this book, and cannot wait to read it's final form. For now, Priya is going to help us get to know her number one hottie main character Axel with an interview. But first: The book! Check out this cover, you guys!
At seventeen, Ren Pernell knows the meaning of tragedy.
But then, a year after losing her parents, Axel Knight walks through the door and changes everything. Strange creatures start to appear, her best friend suddenly finds her irresistible, and an undeniable, unexplainable bond with Axel threatens to drive her insane. She knows he’s the key. There’s something he’s not sharing, and she’s determined to find out.
Demanding answers, she finally learns the truth: everything she ever believed is an illusion. Caught in a centuries-old blood feud between races she never knew existed, Ren discovers her true destiny. She’s the chosen one, the Echo, preordained to end the bloodshed.
There’s just one catch–in order to save those she loves and a homeland she’s never seen, she’ll have to die.
With the clock running out, she’ll have to navigate a new world of betrayal, lies and deceit. If she can forgive, finding love even in the darkest places, she just might be able to escape the prophecy. But how much is she willing to sacrifice for a cause she didn't know she was part of? And what will it take for her to be free?
Take it away, Priya!
Priya: Hello Axel! Long time no talk.
Axel: *smiles and raises a quizzical eyebrow*
Priya: *looks away and laughs nervously* Right, It's only been five minutes... Anyhoo, what is it that makes you tick?
Axel: Dean.
Priya: Really?
Axel: *nods* I've never regretted anything in my life. But is it too much to ask that Dean and I never met? It's like he's got make-Axel-angry switch turned on every time he's near me.
Priya: Well, are you sure it's not just jealously? I mean, even a guy like you can't be that confident in a relationship.
Axel: *shakes head* I'd rather not open that can of worms.
Priya: Fair enough. Okay, let's see... If you can be anywhere in the world, where would you be?
Axel: *thinks about it for a second* I'd go back in time & tell my mom how much I loved her.
Priya: aww... Shucks! Okay, next question, in a battle between you and Telalians, who would you want by your side?
Axel: Dimitri. He's been my best friend for as long as I can remember. If there's one person that I know would have my back, it's him.
Priya: Aww! Isn't that sweet? *looks at time on phone* Oh, look time's almost up. Okay, last question! If you had the chance to pick your own power, what would you pick?
Axel: *lips curve up* My air elemental power. Without a doubt!
Priya: *laughs* Good choice! Well that's all the time we have folks. Mara, thank you for letting Axel and I take over your blog!
Axel: Yes, Thank you Ms. Valderann.
Priya lives in the beautiful city of Boise, ID as a full-time working mom and part-time YA Novel Author. For the past 7+ years she has worked in multiple Fortune 500 companies and has recently found the passion to read and write. The Dracian Legacy is her first YA paranormal romance series. She strongly believes that true love conquers all and that’s a common theme you’ll find within her novels.
Wow, where to begin? I suppose I will start with the biggest change, which is that my husband and I are relocating to Las Vegas! He received a promotion and a new job all in the same month, and they are moving us across the country the first of April, which means...
That not a whole heck of a lot will
really be changing since I am mostly a home body anyway. My friends will have to fly out to see me instead of drive a half an hour, but hey--there will be shiny lights and casinos to help ease that pain. ;) It's all very exciting, because I've never lived outside of South Carolina before. But that also makes it equally terrifying too. I have a gut feeling that it is going to be awesome, and I really couldn't be prouder of my hubby for landing this job. Yayy hubby!
And, on a writerly front, big changes are ahead! First and foremost, I have to say that I love my editor Kriscinda Everitt. Why? Because she keeps me from doing nonsensical things that only make sense in my head. That being the case, the release date for
Heirs of War, Crown of Flames has been pushed back to this summer because A) it needs some adjustments, and B) um, moving to Vegas, so not a lot of time to make those adjustments until I get there. But it will be worth it in the end. I already feel better about the bits of work I've been able to do on it. Kriscinda is magic, guys. Magic.
Aaaannnd the other writerly change? I have officially signed on with Curiosity Quills to publish
Altar of Reality! I am beyond excited! I've hosted tours and become friends with AND a fan of so many of their authors, so to me this sort of feels like coming home. I feel like I am coming full circle on my journey as a writer (or at least, the first leg of that journey since it is unending) by finally signing on with them. There are so many people to thank for getting me to this point, but I have to give major props to Kriscinda, Krystal Wade, and James Wymore for all they have taught me as a writer. These three wonderful people have believed in me, guided me, and continue to teach me today. I am one lucky gal. =D
I will keep you guys updated on
Heirs of War and
Altar of Reality, hopefully with some release dates soon for one (or both!). Thanks for taking this wild ride with me!
Disciple, Part IV is finally here! The six-part, gritty fantasy romance is only getting more complicated...
Back coverKate can’t avoid the simple truth any longer; as much as she loves Kiefan, he’s now the king and his duties leave him precious little time for her and their newborn son. Kate’s husband Anders, the ne’er-do-well knight, is the one who kisses her cheek every morning and soothes the baby to sleep on his shoulder.
Kiefan’s protective jealousy still casts a shadow over her life. He would gladly throw Anders to the wolves if it will keep alliance negotiations from collapsing. Their homeland desperately needs these allies against the invading Empire. The kingdom barely survived the first wave of the enemy’s monstrous army and more is to come.
But Kate can’t stand by and let Anders become a victim — or let Kiefan suspect she’s falling in love with her husband.
Excerpt
Kate slipped away from a banquet to nurse her newborn son, Rafe. She hasn't seen Kiefan in months, thanks to their busy lives.
My eye caught movement and I turned back. Kiefan stepped off the flagstone path and crossed the grass, warm light from the doorway catching on his gold band. I smiled. “You escaped.”
“It was not easy.” He put a hand on my arm and looked to be sure none watched us. We drew further around the kitchen-cottage, into the gap between it and the stockade wall. Deeper in the shadows. I put my hand out, brushed across the mud-plaster wall, and set my back to it.
Kiefan’s hand on my arm slipped up to my cheek, tipped my head and his kiss, sudden and deep, squeezed a whimper from my throat. His tongue, his whiff of lavender soap, tore open a yearning I’d half forgotten. Gently pressed against the wall, I wished I could put both arms around him. I had to settle for clenching a handful of his cote, at the shoulder.
Rafe wiggled between us, and Kiefan looked down. He slipped a finger across Rafe’s open hand, and my baby gripped in return.
“I meant no disrespect to your grandfather,” Kiefan said, voice low. “Rafe is as much his blood as my father’s. I only wanted to see you, and my son, and know you’re both well.” He tugged against Rafe’s grip as he said it. My baby’s hand opened and his arm dropped to his side as he relaxed into his work. “I’ve missed you,” Kiefan murmured.
There’d been some letters, far too limiting for what needed to be said. I’d doubted myself, as Anders and I settled into our comfortable routine. I’d worried what I’d say in this moment, to Kiefan. Feared, even, that he’d sense it. Smell Anders’ kindness on me and how it made my heart quiver.
And all this was a heartbeat too long for me to answer; Kiefan put his forehead to mine. “What do you fear?” he whispered.
My breath caught in my throat, at that. “I’ll miss you more, once you’re wed,” I managed to answer. It was part of the truth.
He wore his lamia-tooth brooch, on the shoulder of his black silk cote, perhaps to remind everyone why the monsters hadn’t sung in the forest all year. It was the sparkling cote from Solstice, I realized with a blink. I’d helped him peel it off over his head.
Slim chance I ever would again, no matter how much love lay between us. He was here to find a pair of Caer brides, after all; it was his duty. They’d know they had to share him, and weren’t likely to share him any further. Even if he were so lucky as to find twins that he got on well with…
“Stay, tonight.”
He touched a kiss to my neck, just by my ear, and a shiver shot along my spine. The memory of his hands on my skin, his mouth — but my heart stretched, strained in my chest. It was well snared by Kiefan and dragged toward him, but felt the pull of another hook.
Anders. His little touches. How he kissed my cheek in the morning. How he’d always take Rafe, when asked, and walk him to sleep. Anders loved me, he surely wanted more, and to lead him on — and lie to Kiefan — was more than I could bear.
Rafe, tangled in the middle of it all, had his own hooks in my heart. “I have a new lord,” I whispered in kind, “and I must attend him four times nightly. I have a saint and duties to him. As do you. Once the Caer ladies are here…” I had to trail off on that thought. Kiefan deserved love.
Disciple, Part IV
New to Disciple?
The Half-Omnibus collects the first three parts into one meaty ebook.
Or try Disciple, Part I for only 99 cents!
I. Love. This. Series.
I'll save all the raving about how awesome First of Her Kind was for the review, and instead I will ooh and aah over how beautiful the cover of the sequel is. Emergence is book two in K.L. Schwengel's Darkness & Light series, and I am betting that it is even better than the first, which is pretty hard to top. The cover looks absolutely amazing, and I love that it features Bolin as well. Not that I am biased or anything...I'll let you see for yourselves and then I will tell you why I love First of Her Kind so much.
Emergence ~ Book Two of the Darkness & Light Series
The battle for Ciara's power has drawn the full attention of the Emperor and the Imperial Mages, forcing Bolin to put duty above safety and take her to Nisair. It won't be an easy trip, even with an Imperial escort and a Galysian elder accompanying them. Especially since Donovan has found himself some new allies, one of who wields a dark magic that has literally gotten under Bolin's skin.
For Ciara, coming to terms with the increasingly tangible manifestation of her power could destroy her. Even if they make it to Nisair--something that grows more unlikely by the day--there is no surety of safety for Ciara, or any of them. Not with Donovan willing to gamble everything to achieve his goals, or Bolin's uncharacteristically reckless behavior, the result of which is the attention of something that has everyone worried.
Loyalties will be tested, lives will be lost, and no one will emerge unchanged as they find things are not always so clear on the line dividing Darkness and Light.
About the author:K. L. Schwengel lives in southeast Wisconsin on a small farm with her husband, a handful of Australian Shepherds, Her Royal Highness Princess Fiona the Cat, and assorted livestock. Growing up as the youngest of nine children, and the daughter of a librarian, Kathi spent many hours between stacks of books, and secluded away in dusty archives, drawn to tales of medieval heroes and conquering knights. With so many characters and ideas spinning in her head, she had to get them onto paper or risk what little sanity she possessed. She has been penning wild tales of magic and mayhem as long as she can remember, but opted to follow her artistic muse first. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts and spending many years working as a freelance artist, grocery clerk, art teacher, graphic designer, stable hand, advertising account coordinator, dog trainer, and process technician (among other things) she answered the call of her writing muse. When not writing, Kathi trains and trials working Australian Shepherds, still paints, dabbles in photography, graphic design, and anything else creative her assorted muses send her way.
Kathi's work is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other on-line retailers in both paperback and e-book versions. Signed copies are available via her blog.
How to connect:
First of Her Kind ~ A Darkness & Light Novel by
K.L. SchwengelMy rating:
5 of 5 starsFirst word that comes to mind when reading the last page?
No. Because there is no way that can be the last page. It's not a cliffhanger, but there is just so much more waiting to be told. Which is what sequels are for, and I am now impatiently awaiting book two of the Darkness & Light series.
K.L. Schwengel knows how to weave a solid story around engaging and flawed characters, and she knows how to tell it beautifully as well. Ciara and Bolin suffer from an inability to really speak to one another and just be honest, and it gets them into heaps of trouble. Trouble would have found them eventually, but they certainly help things along by being incredibly stubborn. The chemistry these two characters have together is palpable on the page and just really starting to be explored as the story continues. Their connection is one they don't seem to fully understand, but by the end I think they are starting to see how much they mean to one another and how they are both puzzle pieces that fit together. They still need some shaping to smooth out their rough edges, but their bond is unquestionable.
This is not a light and fluffy fantasy novel by any stretch of the imagination. There are dark sides to this world, and K.L. Schwengel isn't afraid to explore those parts, which only adds to the complexity and intrigue of this story and these characters. Seeing everything Bolin and Ciara are put through, all the pain they feel, helps to connect with them even more. And I have to say that K.L. Schwengel really knows how to balance the violence as well. It never feels over the top or showy, but always gritty and rough.
The author's use of language is enough to make me want to put my metaphoric pen down. The prose has a poetic nature to it, a cadence, without seeming pretentious at all. The voice is clear and the descriptions are not only solid, but vivid and detailed without weighing down the story.
Summary: The author's use of language and imagery mixed with the engaging characters, enticing plots, believable villains and heroes alike, and tension throughout is the perfect recipe for an amazing book.
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Weather Child
The Awakened Epoch
Book One
Philippa Ballantine
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Publisher: Imagine That! Studios
Date of Publication: 1st March 2014
Cover Artist: Alex White
Book Description:
Never alone. Never apart.
They are the Awakened, a unique breed of people in a remote corner of the world. Faith is one of these gifted carriers of the Seraphim; and in return of her unconditional love, her Seraphim grants her powers of incredible potential.
But not all carriers embrace their blessing.
Jack loathes being an Awakened. He never asked for it, his Seraphim keeping him alive even in spite of his desire to die. Not even a great war could rid him of this curse.
Now a magician of incredible ability and a walking dead man must find a way to work together to save the Seraphim. Someone covets the power of the Awakened, and will not stop until that power belongs to him.
About the Author:
New Zealand born fantasy writer and podcaster Philippa (Pip) Ballantine is the author of the Books of the Order and the Shifted World series. She is also the co-author with her husband Tee Morris of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences novels. Her awards include an Airship, a Parsec, the Steampunk Chronicle Reader’s Choice, and a Sir Julius Vogel. She currently resides in Manassas, Virginia with her husband, daughter, and a furry clowder of cats.Twitter: @PhilippaJaneFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjballantineWebsite: http://www.pjballantine.com/Excerpt: The train squealed as they landed on the narrow walkway between the final car and the coal wagon. Faith managed to catch herself before rolling off, but her hat came loose and was lost into the dust.
Scrambling up, they could see over the pile of coal the pale and astonished face of the engineer. He was taking in the fire and the creature that he could obviously see. He disappeared back again. The train sped up and Wirimu and Faith were forced back into the ruined carriage by the swaying of the train.
“He’s not going to risk stopping in Paraparaumu,” Wirimu yelled over the screaming of the wheels. “He’ll push on to Shorecliff where there is a police presence.”
It made sense, and Faith was thankful for the quick thinking of government employees. Glancing behind her, Faith knew they couldn’t be far from the tunnel.
“You go unhook the back carriages from this one,” she instructed Wirimu. “I can’t risk an all-out battle with so many civilians. I’ll hold her off. Quick, there’s a tunnel.” Mid sentence she had already delved into her magic, Hoa leaping to aid her. The wind began to scream even louder than the train. It filled her with satisfaction and completeness just as always. When it was in her, she was more than just human; she was the living, breathing embodiment of nature’s might.
Seeing the oncoming darkness and feeling the wind begin to batter at the sides of the train, Wirimu didn’t ask any further questions. He dashed back along the now pitted and ruined first class carriage, just as the train plunged into the darkness of the tunnel.
Time slowed. It wasn’t a trick of Faith’s perception or magic; she sensed that immediately. The train was slowly shuddering, where as mere moments before it had been bucking like a wily rodeo horse. Only two remaining lights at the far end of the carriage gave any illumination, but it was enough.
Not even a small woman could have stood atop the roof of the train as it passed into the tunnel, so when the creature appeared in the window to one side of Faith, she was not surprised. The claws that had been twisted from the girl’s once charming little hands were locked around the melding of the window without any apparent difficulty. The golden eyes peered in at Faith with burning fury, but she had the real impression it was not staring at her, so much as through her to the seraph within.
The moment, trapped in amber, passed. Faith heard an almighty clank as the back end of the train fell away. The engine, stoked to full capacity, leapt forward eagerly, but like the well-seasoned traveller she was, Faith managed to keep her feet.
While her attacker shot a glance back, distracted perhaps by losing its audience, she threw the wind at it. The glass exploded and the walls of the carriage bulged as the might of a Wellington southerly wind confined in a small space smashed at that which Hoa found hateful. It pummelled the creature with broken glass, and then, with the full force of a gale. The glaring gold eyes flared wide, but whatever dwelt inside was still beholden to the demands of the real world. The claws scrambled on the side, but couldn’t hold forever.
The long dead girl’s voice howled in anger, before the wind picked up the creature and smashed it against the last few feet of the tunnel.
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There's nothing that makes a fangirl happier than getting to interview her favorite characters, and for this Thursday Takeover I had the pleasure of doing just that. Katie Hamstead is stopping by and letting me ask Ankhesenamun some questions about her life and hopes for the future. Ankhe is the daughter of the belated Pharaoh, Akhenaten, and his queen Nefertiti, and has grown up to be one of the most surprising and intriguing characters in the book so far. Here's what Ankhe had to say:
Mara: Hello, Ankhesenamun! Thank you for giving me the time to interview you. First, why don't you tell us what your name means and how it was chosen?
Ankhe: My name at birth was Ankhespaaten, which means, Living for Aten. After my father passed and the religion moved back to the old ways, Both Tut and myself changed our names to reflect Amun. So now my name means Living for Amun.
Mara: You've grown up in palaces under different rule. What can you tell us about what life was like with your father as Pharaoh?
Ankhe: MY father was a wonderful man; tender, loving, affectionate. He had a keen mind for the most part, and it saddened me when he crept into madness. He was truly inspired and I will never forget him. My childhood were times of light and warmth in his presence.
Mara: Your mother Nefertiti had a reputation both for being beloved by the people and for her political scheming. What are some important lessons you learned from her?
Ankhe: To keep my senses piqued at all times. Being royal means everyone is trying to destroy or use you for their own advantage, so she taught me how to watch for traitors and those who would harm me. My father taught me how to trust.
Mara: Nefertiti made no effort to hide her disdain for Kiya, yet you appeared to have a certain admiration for her. What drew you to Kiya despite your mother's feelings?
Ankhe: Why must we talk about my mother? Please, she and my grandfather are the reason my father died with a broken heart. Kiya was different. My father admired her, making my mother fiercely jealous. At first I reflected my mother's feelings, wondering why my father would choose her of all people, but then I saw her courage and her loyalty to my father. That courage and loyalty drew my father to her, and I could not hate someone who made him happy.
But then, she spent so much time with that bully Mordad, and the Commander I held onto my reservations, just observing her rather than interacting.
Mara: You recently married Tut and have shown yourself to be very loyal to him, some have even said you are protective of him. What do you see in Tut? What do you hope he sees in you?
Ankhe: Tut reflects my father in many ways. I see my father's gentle spirit in him, and the playfulness I believe my father had in him--if only he wasn't so limited. Tut is charming and sweet, and I believe he will grow into a fine young man.
What I hope he sees in me is that he can love me as much as he does his mother. I hope he sees how dedicated and loyal to him I am.
Mara: What kind of ruler has Tut shown himself to be so far?
Ankhe: Compassionate, but firm. Actually, most of what I see is Horemheb's hand. My grandfather does not approve.
Mara: What do you hope to see for the future, for yourself, Egypt, and your Pharaoh?
Ankhe: To live a long life with my Tut, having many children together, and living blissfully through a golden age under Tut's reign. If anyone can do it, it is Tut, and I am honored to be at his side.
Pick up your copy of the Kiya series today! The final book is out, and I cannot wait to see how it ends!
Title: Kiya: Rise of a New Dynasty (Kiya Trilogy Book #3)
Author: Katie Hamstead
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Genre: New Adult Historical Romance
Release Date: February 25th, 2014
Blurb:Tut has grown into his position as Pharaoh, but he is a wild young man. Naomi fears for him, not only because of his recklessness, but because he has put his trust in Ay–the man determined to destroy Naomi—despite her and Horemheb advising against it.
Meanwhile, death and slavery hang over Naomi and her family. With fear of the booming Hebrew numbers causing talk of enslaving them, conscription is reinstated and Naomi fears for the lives of her other children. Especially since Ay's children are now adults, and just as dangerous as their father. They threaten to take Itani, conspire against Tut, and pushing for power.
But Tut is in trouble. While Ay's daughter draws Horemheb's attention, and Naomi deals with the struggles of her family, everyone's distraction could spell death for the young Pharaoh.
About the Author:Born and raised in Australia, Katie’s early years of day dreaming in the “bush”, and having her father tell her wild bedtime stories, inspired her passion for writing.
After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student where she met a young man who several years later she married. Now she lives in Arizona with her husband, daughter and their dog.
She has a diploma in travel and tourism which helps inspire her writing. She is currently at school studying English and Creative Writing.
Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports and be a good wife and mother. She now works as a Clerk with a lien company in Arizona to help support her family and her schooling. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.
Author
Sharon Bayliss is thrilled to share the cover for
Destruction (Book One of The December People Series), a family drama about dark wizards living in Houston.
Message from Sharon Bayliss:
"The butterfly will show up on the cover of all four books in the series, as a symbol of redemption, hope, and re-birth. Despite the dark themes in the series, I believe that the most important themes of the series are hopeful ones, such as love, family, and triumph against adversity, which is why the butterfly is in the center.
The broken glass surrounding the butterfly rather obviously symbolizes the concept of destruction, which is also a central theme. The title
Destruction refers to the fact that dark magic is inherently destructive, but also refers to how a person can be destroyed, in body or soul.
One thing I was sure of, I wanted the word,
Destruction, to be in "pretty" letters. I loved the contrast of having a dark and violent word look beautiful. This also fits the theme, as I wish to show the beauty in darkness and destruction, and the good in people who are supposed to be evil."
Here is the blurb for
Destruction, coming out 4/14/14:
David Vandergraff wants to be a good man. He goes to church every Sunday, keeps his lawn trim and green, and loves his wife and kids more than anything. Unfortunately, being a dark wizard isn't a choice.
Eleven years ago, David's secret second family went missing. When his two lost children are finally found, he learns they suffered years of unthinkable abuse. Ready to make things right, David brings the kids home even though it could mean losing the wife he can’t imagine living without.
Keeping his life together becomes harder when the new children claim to be dark wizards. David believes they use this fantasy to cope with their trauma. Until, David's wife admits a secret of her own— she is a dark wizard too, as is David, and all of their children.
Now, David must parent two hurting children from a dark world he doesn’t understand and keep his family from falling apart. All while dealing with the realization that everyone he loves, including himself, may be evil.
Add this to your Goodreads list: Like the Facebook page:Sign up for Sharon Bayliss's newsletter to be alerted when the book is live on Amazon:If you're a book blogger or reviewer, you can also sign up to be part of the blog tour and/or get a free ARC: CLICK HERE</ a>
Stronger Than This
David-Matthew BarnesGenre: Literary Fiction/LGBT/Death/Dying/Grief
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Date of Publication: February 18, 2014
Book Description:
Charlene’s soul mate, Samantha, has been killed in a car accident. Daniel’s partner, Martin, has been murdered in a robbery gone wrong. Seeking comfort, Charlene and Daniel attend a support group where they meet for the first time.
Emotionally devastated and discarded by their loved ones’ conservative families, Charlene and Daniel feel an immediate connection. Rather than reveal their pain to a room full of strangers, they decide to see each other through their shared anguish.
As a beautiful friendship emerges from grief, slivers of new hope are found.
About the Author:
David-Matthew Barnes is the bestselling author of ten novels, including the young adult novels Swimming to Chicago and Wonderland, which were nominated by the American Library Association for their annual Rainbow Books, a list of quality books with significant and authentic GLBTQ content for children and teens.
He is also the author of a collection of short stories, Boys Like Me, and two collections of poetry, Roadside Attractions and Souvenir Boys. He has written over forty stage plays that have been performed in three languages in eight countries. Collections of his theatrical works include Deuces: Stage Plays for Two Actors, Monologues That Kick Ass, You Think You Know Us: Stage Plays for Teen Actors, and more. He is the writer and director of the feature film Frozen Stars and the dramatic short film Threnody.
His literary work has been featured in over one hundred publications including The Best Stage Scenes, The Best Men's Stage Monologues, The Best Women's Stage Monologues, The Comstock Review, and The Southeast Review. He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing at Queens University of Charlotte in North Carolina.
He teaches college courses in writing, literature, and the arts.
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Today's Thursday Takeover is with Paul DeBlassie III, author of The Unholy. Before we do, allow me to introduce Mr. DeBlassie and his book.
The UnholyPaul DeBlassie III
Publisher: Sunstone PressGenre: Psychological thrillerA young curandera, a medicine woman, intent on uncovering the secrets of her past is forced into a life-and-death battle against an evil Archbishop. Set in the mystic land of Aztlan, the Unholy is a novel of destiny as healer and slayer. native lore of dreams and visions, shape changing, and natural magic work to spin a neo-gothic web in which sadness and mystery lure the unsuspecting into a twilight realm of discovery and decision.AmazonAbout the Book:Part psychological thriller, part supernatural heroine’s journey and part gothic horror, The Unholy lures the reader into a twilight realm that pits two old worlds against each other: the medicine woman against the church. Witchcraft, magic, demons and religion each play a role as healer confronts slayer.
“Paul DeBlassie III has brought us a richly imagined supernatural thriller set in the high mountain desert of Aztlan, where Claire Sanchez, an herbalist and medicine woman, has come to reclaim her healing heritage and uncover the secrets of her mother’s death. The book digs deep into legend, folklore, and the author’s own imagination to paint a stirring picture of traditional curanderismo pitted against the oppressive forces of institutional religious power. Make sure you have lots of time; once you start reading this book, it will be hard to put down.”—Stephan V. Beyer, author of Singing to the Plants: A Guide to Mestizo Shamanism in the Upper Amazon
Rich in the native lore of the southwest and set in the mythical, yet modern, land of Aztlan, you will follow a young curandera (Spanish medicine woman) Claire, who is intent on uncovering the secrets of her past, secrets that lead her into a life-and-death battle with an evil archbishop. As women die in mysterious circumstances, Claire must decide how much faith she has in her own powers and how far she can go before putting her own life in mortal danger.
The Unholy will appeal those who are fascinated by the old traditions of healing and magic as well as those who simply desire a fast paced battle between good and evil, masculine and feminine, darkness and light…“The Unholy, an excellent novel by Paul DeBlassie III, keeps the reader engaged throughout in mystery, suspense, and church politics. In addition to vividly depicting the beauti- ful landscape and culture of New Mexico, it exposes and strengthens the traditional work of the medicine women of the Southwest. I am looking forward to Dr. DeBlassie’s next book.”—Eliseo “Cheo” Torres, author of Curandero: A Life In Mexican Folk Healing, professor, and university administrator About the Author
Paul DeBlassie III, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist and writer living in his native New Mexico. A member of the Depth Psychology Alliance, the Transpersonal Psychology Association, and the International Association for Relational Psy- choanalysis and Psychotherapy, he has for over thirty years treated survivors of the dark side of religion.
SoulCare, his professional consultation practice is devoted to the tending of the soul. One of the few therapists writing fiction with a healing emphasis, Dr. DeBlassie has been deeply influenced by the surreal beauty and natural magic of the mestizo myth of Aztlan.
The Unholy is his first novel.
Question: I get the impression that The Unholy is a book only you could write, because of the setting, and because of your own background. Let's start with the setting. Tell me about Aztlan.
Paul DeBlassie III: Aztlan is the mythopoeic realm of the mestizos (mixed bloods of southwestern United States). I am mestizo. Aztlan is New Mexico, especially the region of Albuquerque (southern Aztlan) and Santa Fe (northern Aztlan) and extends to the four corners area. Spirits, dreams, visions, and natural magic are woven seamlessly into everyday life.
Q: Your protagonist, Claire Sanchez, is a curandera, a term which roughly translates as "Medicine Woman." What exactly is a curandera? What led you to choose this occupation for your heroine?
Paul: A curandera is a healer. She spoke to me as the story evolved, told me who she was and told me of her struggle to find herself. The path of a healer is fraught with danger. She dramatizes the life of so many women and men seeking to face their fears, find themselves, and walk the path of healing, natural magic, and life.
Q: Faith and religion are central themes of The Unholy. You explore the abuse of religion and the conflict that can come from spirituality. What would you say is the central theme or message of Unholy? What impact are you hoping to have on your readers?
Paul: The central message of The Unholy is Religion Kills. It is made explicit at the end of the tale. News media broadcast Religion Kills as they describe the battle between the evil Archbishop and the young curandera.
Q: You live in New Mexico, in the general area where the novel is set. How has this affected the writing of The Unholy? How important was your knowledge of the places and people and culture? What kinds of personal knowledge did you draw on as you crafted your characters and setting?
Paul: New Mexico is Aztlan. My lineage reaches back for over three-hundred years in Aztlan, a long line of medicine people, healers. I live here, breathe its air, am sheltered under the canopy of its turquoise sky. The Unholy and the natural magic of the medicine women, forces of darkness and light, exist side by side in the daily, mythopoeic realm of Aztlan. I live here. It is my homeland.
Q: How has your training and experience as a psychologist impacted your writing in general?
Paul: For over thirty years I have treated survivors of the dark side of religion. I chose to write a novel about this human drama. Stories cut to the chase. I’ve written three other books in psychology and spirituality, but there is nothing like stirring the imagination via story to set the mind working and the heart healing.
Q: I know you've had some specific experiences in your role as a psychologist that led to your decision to write this book. Tell me about that.
Paul: Religion can be both terrifying and damaging. I help people to heal from the dark side of religion. Decades of such experience led me to write this book and the ones that will follow. Each phantasmagoric story, much like The Unholy, plumbs the dark and light sides of human nature and spiritual experience.
Q: The cover image for The Unholy is striking and haunting, and it's not just some random stock photo. Tell me about that picture.
Paul: It is the Devil’s Throne, an actual site between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The evil archbishop performs atrocities there. The land has been contaminated by evil, women desecrated, the air itself befouled. It is the Devil’s Throne in the realm of Azltan!
It's here! It's here! It's here! Okay, so I already reviewed it yesterday. But now YOU can purchase your own copy, or win some great prizes like a signed copy of the book and swag! If you want to read the first chapter, head on over to Rachel's blog where she has the entire chapter posted. =D
When Serengard rebelled and the Orion monarchy fell, former crown princess Kierstaz Orion’s love for her people became a burning desire to set things right. With a price on their heads, Kierstaz and her brother Mikel led a handful of men against the new army, fighting skirmishes all along the border of Dreibourge. But months of heavy bloodshed forced her small band of knights to abandon the border—and all of Serengard—to the rebels.
Nine years and a thousand betrayals later, Kierstaz and Mikel again find themselves on the run—only this time, they’ve a boy in tow: Malcom, the son of two of the Seren rebellion’s strongest leaders. The new regime wants him dead, Mikel wants him alive, and it’s all Kierstaz can do to keep their tracks covered. Desperate to preserve the innocent life she swore to protect and the brother who has always stood by her, Kierstaz must gamble the last thing in the world she owns: her identity. Secrets are a staple of the Orion family, and those Kierstaz keeps are as dangerous as the ones kept from her.
KNIGHTS OF RILCH is the sequel to COLDNESS OF MAREK, and the second book in the SERENGARD Series.
Author Bio:
Rachel O’Laughlin grew up writing adventure stories in which heroines tend to get their hands dirty, bad guys sometimes win, and someone always gets kidnapped. Her passion for history morphed into a love for fantasy in her mid-teens, when she took a brief pause from reality for immersion in the arts and a hands-on education in sustainable living. She lives in New England with her husband and two boys, listens to The Fray, and drinks too many lattes. Two novels in her SERENGARD fantasy series have been released, and a third is scheduled for October 2014.
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You guys...this book. This SERIES. If you haven't already read Coldness of Marek, the first book in Rachel O'Laughlin's Serengard series, I highly recommend it. Because this series only gets better. I was lucky enough to read the next book in the series Knights of Rilch before it releases tomorrow, and you should be jealous. Definitely.
About the Book:
When Serengard rebelled and the Orion monarchy fell, former crown princess Kierstaz Orion’s love for her people became a burning desire to set things right. With a price on their heads, Kierstaz and her brother Mikel led a handful of men against the new army, fighting skirmishes all along the border of Dreibourge. But months of heavy bloodshed forced her small band of knights to abandon the border—and all of Serengard—to the rebels.
Nine years and a thousand betrayals later, Kierstaz and Mikel again find themselves on the run—only this time, they’ve a boy in tow: Malcom, the son of two of the Seren rebellion’s strongest leaders. The new regime wants him dead, Mikel wants him alive, and it’s all Kierstaz can do to keep their tracks covered. Desperate to preserve the innocent life she swore to protect and the brother who has always stood by her, Kierstaz must gamble the last thing in the world she owns: her identity. Secrets are a staple of the Orion family, and those Kierstaz keeps are as dangerous as the ones kept from her.
KNIGHTS OF RILCH is the sequel to COLDNESS OF MAREK, and the second book in the SERENGARD Series.
About the Author:
Rachel O’Laughlin grew up writing adventure stories in which heroines tend to get their hands dirty, bad guys sometimes win, and someone always gets kidnapped. Her passion for history morphed into a love for fantasy in her mid-teens, when she took a brief pause from reality for immersion in the arts and a hands-on education in sustainable living. She lives in New England with her husband and two boys, listens to The Fray, and drinks too many lattes. Two novels in her SERENGARD fantasy series have been released, and a third is scheduled for October 2014.
Knights of Rilch by
Rachel O'LaughlinMy rating:
5 of 5 starsRachel O'Laughlin does not disappoint with the second book in her Serengard series. This book is filled with action and intensity from the very start, and Rachel has woven a careful web of stories around each of her main characters, constantly pulling them apart only to draw them back in again with Trzl's schemes. I really liked how the history of what happened directly after the rebellion was told, and how it helped you to understand everything happening now and how the characters have evolved.
What I love the most about these characters is that there really is no 100% bad guy, aside from maybe Otreya. Trzl, Mikel, Kierstaz--they've all done things that they feel have tainted their character. Their moral lines can be blurred at times, though this seems to weigh the heaviest with Mikel (which is a nice turn of events since female characters are stereotypically the softer and more full of regret).
Reading this book, you feel completely immersed in the world and the war. The violence is everywhere, and we are reminded of that without having our noses rubbed in it. I've said it before, and I will say it again: Rachel O'Laughlin has a brilliant gift for detail without boring the reader. She knows how to enchant you, and that is exactly what she does with this series. Her world exists so purely, and so vividly. The plots are intricately played out, the characters well developed and believably flawed, the relationships strained but not beyond hope, and the politics and action creating a tension that takes hold of you and doesn't let go, even with the last page. Brilliantly done!
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As a writer, saying goodbye to a series is never easy. When you start the first book, you can't wait to write the last and get it all out. But once you get there, it can be harder than you think to say goodbye. E. Van Lowe recently released the last book in his Falling Angels Saga,
Falling, and is here to talk to us about what it was like to let go of his series and look to the future.
Saying Goodbye To a Series
When I was a kid my brother had a record (yes, there were records back then, 45s, in fact) by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles entitled “What’s So Good About Goodbye.” *Singing* What's so good about goodbye, all it does is make you cry. Today that song has new meaning for me.
A few weeks ago I turned in the final draft of the final book in The Falling Angles Saga. And with it, I said goodbye to Megan, Guy, Maudrina and Aunt Jaz. I've never written a series before so I never knew the feeling of finishing one. From what I've read, some writers can't wait to get on with their lives, while others have a tear in their eye. For me it was a little of both. I'm happy to have finished the series. More than a handful of fans have written me asking about the final book. For those who've hung around for the entire series, I want it to be a satisfying experience. I'm happy to give this final book to them. I'm also excited about what's next. I've been doing notes on a new book in the horror genre for several months now.
Yet another part of me will miss this series. I really loved writing Megan and Guy. I call these my growing up novels because I could see my writing improving, getting sharper as the series progressed. I started writing Boyfriend From Hell in 2008, just after I'd made my first young adult book sale with Never Slow Dance With A Zombie (Tor/teen). I've been with these characters for more than five years. I've had a wonderful time with them. I will definitely miss them. It took me so long to write the second half of the last book, partly, I believe, because it was hard letting go. During the writing of the book (Falling) I thought of all sorts of spinoffs and ways to keep the series alive. However, now that some time has passed, I'm ready to move on. I may revisit one or more of the characters later, but for now, it's goodbye. It feels very much like a break-up.
Those of you who've been waiting for the final book, I'm sorry it's taken so long. I want you to know I've poured my all into this book. I hope you think it does the series justice.
So that's this author's take on ending a series. Saying goodbye is difficult, but moving on is exciting. And you know what they say about one door closing. I'm ready.
Well if leavin’ causes grievin'
And to part will break your heart
Tell me what’s so good about it
I could've done without it
What's so good about goodbye
More on the Falling Angels Saga:
FallingFalling Angels Saga
Book Four
E Van Lowe
Genre: Paranormal YA
Think twice before you agree to marry Satan. There’s no divorcing the devil.
The End is Near
Will Megan Barnett go falling back into the arms of dreamy earth angel, Guy Matson? Or, is she in fact, falling in love with the demon, Orthon? Or, will her out-of-control abilities send her falling into Satan’s open arms?
In the final, heart-stopping chapter of the Falling Angels Saga, Megan Barnett is on a quest to rid her life of Satan forever, but Satan has other plans, including a lavish wedding, and he’s willing to destroy her family and everyone she loves to have his way. To add to the drama, rogue demons have risen from hell with plans of their own.
Will Megan finally have her happily-ever-after, or is she doomed to an eternity in HELL?
As Amanda Ashby, author of Zombie Queen of Newbury High, writes, “E. Van Lowe is a writing force to be reckoned with and you are in masterful hands from the first page to the last.”
Preview Chapters 1-6 here or purchase it while it is on sale for just $0.99
Boyfriend from HellFalling Angels Saga Book One
Aww, Hell No!
Fifteen year-old Megan Barnett and her single mom, Suze, have a special relationship—they are friends, close friends, who do almost everything together.
“But come on, guys, she’s my mother… Can I really tell her that while we’re snuggled up on the sofa watching Spider Man Three, I’m secretly undressing James Franco with my eyes? Of course not…”
The special bond takes a turn for the worse when Suze decides to start dating again. She hasn’t had a man in her life since Megan’s father left ten years ago.
Enter two mysterious young men, Megan’s new classmate, sinfully attractive bad boy, Guy Matson, and the dangerously handsome art dealer, Armando. Before long Megan and Suze both wind up in steamy relationships. But neither of the handsome guys is quite what he seems. In fact, one of them is Satan, with his sights set on a new bride. Megan has precious little time to figure out how to stop him. If she doesn’t, either Megan or Suze are quite literally going to HELL.
Earth AngelFalling Angels Saga Book Two
Heaven Can Wait!
Just because Megan Barnett recently defeated Satan, has a fantastic new best friend, and has won the love of deliciously handsome, Guy Matson, doesn’t mean her troubles are over. Far from it. For Megan doesn’t realize it, but in her possession is a powerful weapon, a weapon sought after by both angels and demons and everything in between. They will do ANYTHING to get it.
In E. Van Lowe’s humorous, romantic and thrilling sequel to Boyfriend From Hell, Megan winds up in a gripping life or death battle to save herself, the boy she loves, and all of mankind from unthinkable evil.
Megan Barnett has recently defeated Satan, found a fantastic new best friend, and has won the heart of deliciously handsome, Guy Matson. But that doesn’t mean her troubles are over. Far from it. For Megan doesn’t realize that she is in possession of a powerful paranormal weapon, a weapon sought after by both angels, demons and everything in between.
In E. Van Lowe’s romantic yet thrilling sequel to Boyfriend From Hell, Megan finds herself in a gripping life or death battle to save the boy she loves, and all of mankind from unthinkable evil.
Heaven SentFalling Angels Saga Book Three
What Does It All Mean?
Readers who devoured Boyfriend From Hell and Earth Angel will be captivated by the third book in the Falling Angels Saga.
As summer break for Glendale Union high begins, heartsick Megan awaits Guy's return while struggling to control her emerging abilities. Love is in the air, but can the new loves in Megan, Maudrina, Suze and Aunt' Jaz's life be trusted? Nothing is what it seems. Meanwhile, the Satanists are set to hatch their most diabolical scheme ever, and if it comes to pass, Satan may finally win out.
Megan has precious little time to unravel the cryptic message hidden in the riddle she received at the end of Earth Angel. If she doesn’t, the life of someone most dear to her will be lost forever, and Megan may yet find herself living in HELL.
About The Author
E. Van Lowe is an author, television writer, screen-writer, playwright and producer who has worked on such TV shows as "The Cosby Show," "Even Stevens," and "Homeboys In Outer Space." He has been nominated for both an Emmy and an Academy Award. His first YA Paranormal novel, "Never Slow Dance With A Zombie," was a selection of The Scholastic Book Club, and a nominee for an American Library Association Award. The first two books in the Falling Angels Saga: “Boyfriend From Hell” and “Earth Angel,” are best sellers. “The Zombie Always Knocks Twice” is the first book in the Hollyweird series.
In December 2014, he received a letter and certificate from the Writers Guild of America for his work on The Cosby Show, which had been selected as one of the 101 best television shows in history.
E lives in Beverly Hills California with his spouse, a werewolf, several zombies and a fairy godmother who grants him wishes from time-to-time.
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The end is nigh.
The end of the Kiya series by Katie Hamstead, that is. I am equal parts excited and sad about this. As you guys probably already know, this is one of my favorite series right now, which means that I am very reluctant to see it go. But knowing Katie, there is something awesome in store. And I already read the first book of her next series to be published, so that gives me comfort (hint: it's going to be AMAZEBALLS). ;)
Today marks the beginning of the end with the cover reveal of Kiya: Rise of a New Dynasty, the last book in the trilogy. Take a look:
Title: Kiya: Rise of a New Dynasty (Kiya Trilogy Book #3)
Author: Katie Hamstead
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Genre: New Adult Historical Romance
Release Date: February 25th, 2014
Blurb:Tut has grown into his position as Pharaoh, but he is a wild young man. Naomi fears for him, not only because of his recklessness, but because he has put his trust in Ay–the man determined to destroy Naomi—despite her and Horemheb advising against it.
Meanwhile, death and slavery hang over Naomi and her family. With fear of the booming Hebrew numbers causing talk of enslaving them, conscription is reinstated and Naomi fears for the lives of her other children. Especially since Ay's children are now adults, and just as dangerous as their father. They threaten to take Itani, conspire against Tut, and pushing for power.
But Tut is in trouble. While Ay's daughter draws Horemheb's attention, and Naomi deals with the struggles of her family, everyone's distraction could spell death for the young Pharaoh.
About the Author:Born and raised in Australia, Katie’s early years of day dreaming in the “bush”, and having her father tell her wild bedtime stories, inspired her passion for writing.
After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student where she met a young man who several years later she married. Now she lives in Arizona with her husband, daughter and their dog.
She has a diploma in travel and tourism which helps inspire her writing. She is currently at school studying English and Creative Writing.
Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports and be a good wife and mother. She now works as a Clerk with a lien company in Arizona to help support her family and her schooling. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.
Do you remember that feeling you had when you were a kid, the one where two weeks just seemed like FOREVER? It's not a feeling we get often as adults, since most of the time we end up going "Two weeks just went by? How did that happen?"
But it is definitely a feeling that I have right now. Why? Because I just read the first three chapters of Shattered Secrets by Krystal Wade, and the full book won't be out until March 3rd. It's killing me. Right from the start, Krystal Wade hooks you with the love story between Abigail and Derick, and then she pulls you in even more with the tension and suspense, and it just increases with each chapter.
This book is going to be huge. I am calling that now. And now I am going to draw you guys in as well with the cover, blurb, and trailer. Add this to your Goodreads now and read it as soon as you can. You're going to want to be with this one from the start, I promise.
After being kidnapped, hogtied, and stuffed in the trunk of a car, seventeen-year-old Abigail Nichols' boy problems seem unimportant.
She couldn't be more wrong.
The boy who saves her holds her heart.
But Derick Crawford also holds secrets.
Magical beings who guide human emotions are fighting an invisible war dating back to the dawn of time, and Abigail's one of them. The more she learns of her heritage, the less she wants to know. Armed with a very old, very massive book to teach them about their history, Abigail and Derick run away to a place where they think they can be safe and happy, only to have their troubles secretly hitch a ride.
Her history book is in a sharing mood, and it tells her to keep a secret of her own.
But has she put her trust in the wrong place?
And will the world survive if she has?
If you follow my reviews, you probably know by now that I both love and hate Katie Hamstead as an author. I adore everything she writes, but so much so that I'm left deflated at the end of each book and blowing raspberries at my To Be Read list (no offense to everyone who is on there). Branded is really no different. Before we get to the review, let me tell you a bit about the book and the author first. Oh, and then you can enter to win your very own copy (along with her two books from the AMAZING Kiya series and an Amazon gift card) using the Rafflecopter below. Or if you are impatient, you can order your very own copy on Amazon for just $2.99. You won't regret it.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks as I review First of Her Kind by K.L. Schwengel and Knights of Rilch by Rachel O'Laughlin. For now, Branded! Allons-y!
Synopsis:Terrorists have invaded Sydney, and Allison King barely escapes her brother’s wedding reception alive. She and her siblings flee, but their parents are killed by firing squad.
Now Ali’s on the run and terrified. While searching for other survivors, she is captured by the General who leads the invasion. He’s smitten by Ali, and when she refuses to submit to his whims, he brands her for death. In a wild act of defiance, she snatches the branding rod and sears the mark onto his face. Marking not only him but also sealing her fate. Ali manages to escape and flees into the bush once more where she finds a group in hiding. Even with the scars left by the General, Ali learns to love and falls in love with the young man who found her—Damien Rogers.
But the General is hunting her. When he discovers their location, and finds her with another man—Damien—his wrath is kindled and his obsession is inflamed. Ali must put herself on the line or the General could kill her family, those who help her, and most significantly, the man she loves.
Add it on
Goodreads or purchase through
AmazonAbout the Author:
Born and raised in Australia, Katie's early years of day dreaming in the "bush", and having her father tell her wild bedtime stories, inspired her passion for writing.
After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student where she met a young man who several years later she married. Now she lives in Arizona with her husband, daughter and their dog.
She has a diploma in travel and tourism which helps inspire her writing. She is currently at school studying English and Creative Writing.
Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports and be a good wife and mother. She now works as a Clerk with a lien company in Arizona to help support her family and her schooling. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.
Follow Katie on
Twitter,
her blog,
Facebook, and
Goodreads.
My Review:
Branded by
Katie HamsteadMy rating:
5 of 5 starsI received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In a word: Intense. Usually with stories that have a MC that is constantly hunted on a personal level by the enemy, it's all about the chase. You don't expect them to come face to face with the enemy several times over, and I love that Ali does. She turns into the white whale to the General's Ahab, as the characters refer to it. Only she has much more snark and spirit than a white whale, I'm sure.
Ali isn't the typical MC lusted after by an enemy. She's not weak at all, but not impenetrable either. She's genuinely scared for her life, especially when face to face with the General, and the author lets you feel that fear alongside Ali. What is brilliant about feeling that fear so strongly is that you feel her defiance as well. You rise up with her and feel just as indignant as she does.
Her romance with Damien happened fast, but I felt like that was really realistic given the circumstances. Everything about their way of life has been threatened, but there's still a hope that things can get normal and people cling to that hope. The normalcy of things like romance and marriage. And I do love that this is addressed later on, but that they continue to fight for each other. On the other hand, I really root for Nick. He's my favorite character. Without him, I feel like the war would have only gotten worse even after it all came to a head. In a way, I think he means more to the war than Ali does.
This was an exhilarating read, full of suspense, action, romance, and heartbreak on so many different levels. A very powerful and emotional read for people of any religion.
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Most of us have stories we remember of bullies from our younger years--those choice people from your past that you wouldn't have minded sending off somewhere far, far away just to escape their torment. Some of us might even still the pain from the scars those people left behind. Today, author LRS is here to chat with us about the lasting effects bullies can have on our lives by sharing her own personal stories. She's also giving away
some prizes to celebrate the new release of Launching Sisters to Witchcamp:
Launching Sisters to WitchCampLRS
Genre: Middle grade fantasy
Cover Artist: Charlotte Volnek MuseItUp Publishing Amazon Kobo iTunes Book Description: Sixth-grader J.J. learns there are no easy breaks in life.When J.J. discovers the opportunity to send his maddening sisters off to WitchCamp, he has fantasies of a delightful summer. However, J.J. and his friend are soon off on a ride they didn't anticipate -- one that lands them in a chilling mess of witch hunts and creature feasts.With his creative ideas, J.J. utilizes their risky escapades to escape. But making deals with superhuman creatures just lands them in hotter water.Now it’s up to J.J. to save them all from certain death by being more imaginative and daring than ever before.The video trailer http://youtu.be/rKedRSdpmrQ About the Author:
LRS has a master’s degree in psychology. For more than ten years she pretended to be working while she was on the floor enjoying playtime with kids. She has lived on the eastern and western coasts of the U.S.A, as well as abroad, and currently resides in Canada with her family. Wherever she is, she can’t pass by a toy store without going inside. When she's not writing, she can usually be found in her kitchen, where she’s either baking (and sampling) cookies or stirring a pot. (Unfortunately, she has yet to find a magical spoon.)Website Facebook Twitter The Witches in Our Lives
Smashed between two sisters, J.J. is only too familiar with witches. And despite my own mercenary handling of my brothers, I can totally commiserate. Though as a sister I was an eligible candidate for WitchCamp, to the outside world I was a sweet kid. Thankfully, I wasn't bullied much, but I had my fair share of witches. The evil females in my history haunt me until today.
Blond tresses, brown eyes, Easter dresses, and a perpetual scowl. She was the first witch I encountered at the innocent age of three. I disliked preschool with a passion, and Isabella played a significant role in my aversion.
She was trouble from the start. I met her at the cubbies, as we put our little bags away. By nature a shy child, it was an effort for me to initiate an interaction. I clearly recollect the thought process going through my head; “Mommy said it’s polite to say good morning. I have to be polite.”
Hence, I summed up my courage, looked Isabella in the eye, and greeted her with a smile.
“Shut up,” she snarled, and then turned her gauzy blue dress with white frills to me.
So that’s what happens when you listen to Mommy.
Maybe that’s why I’ve never initiated a greeting to new people since then without some effort.
In elementary school there was Gail. I wasn’t her only victim; in fact one childhood friend recently confessed to me that she had dreams for years of murdering our witchy classmate.
For some self-punishing reason, I had play dates with Gail. I didn’t want to play with her though. For one thing, I had no hope if we engaged in anything competitive. Gail would win even if it meant eliminating her opponent eternally. A seemingly safe idea occurred to me. Since I loved stories (no surprise there), her advanced reading ability would enable her to read me a book I couldn’t yet read on my own.
When my mom peeked into the room, Gail looked from the book to her with a cherubic smile and accepted the praise for her reading with a humble incline of the head. I enjoyed the story.
Not the payback.
The cost of having been read to was public humiliation for me in the hallways of our school.
Maybe that’s why I won’t listen to audio-books.
In middle grade school I learned that witches don’t come only in kiddie form.
Mrs. N. walked into our sixth grade classroom trashing our class before she even met us. She had some choice words to describe our class based on her interrogations of previous teachers.
But I forgive Mrs. N. for her punitive discipline, and her manic depressive mood swings. I forgive her for trying to appease us with candy, and then lambasting students and shaming them in front of our peers.
Funny, but what took me years to get over was the way she put me down to rack up the status of her pet, the genius of the class—who just so happened to be my best friend.
When Mrs. N. assigned us a creative writing project, it was only natural for Di and me to pair up.
“You’re creative, you brainstorm what we should do, and I’ll build the visual aids,” Di told me.
I hit upon an innovative idea, dictated to my friend the props we needed with full details, and composed the essay.
Friday rolled around, and Di and I stood in front of the class, teacher, and the principal. Toward the end of our presentation, I caught Mrs. N. leaning in to the principal with a smile “That Di is incredible!”
Maybe that’s why I won’t co-author.
Hoping you’re armed with anti-spells for the witches lurking out there,
LRS
Postscript: You do know who I’m referring to, don’t you? Would you care to share with us the witch types haunting your life?
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Traci Douglass is touring her Seven Seals series, and has stopped by to give us an exclusive excerpt for the third book, Seal of Awakening. Check it out!
Seal Of AwakeningSeven Seals Series
Book Three
Traci Douglass
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Publisher: SpinTale Publishing
Date of Publication: October 28th, 2013
Cover Artist: Kim Killion
Book Description:
Socially awkward geneticist Quinn Strickland has willingly forgone the pleasures in life to reach her career objectives. Alone and approaching thirty, she uses her independence to mitigate any risk of a broken heart. Her strategy works until the day a handsome stranger bursts into her lab and her orderly plans shoot straight to Hades. He claims to be her personal divine protector, a powerful, ancient warrior sent to defend a prophetic time bomb existing within her own genetic code.
The Scion’s alpha-geek Wyck is offered the opportunity of his immortal lifetime as head of his own covert operation. He arrives at a Colorado lab expecting starched white coats and sterile surroundings—not a redheaded spitfire in charge of both his project and his libido. His skills have carried him from the battlefields of ancient England to the pits of Hell and he has no plans to be felled by one woman, regardless of her shag-worthy charms. Divine duty requires him to protect the apocalyptic Seal encrypted within Quinn’s DNA, but his heart has other ideas. When his personal feelings interfere with his age-old vendetta, he’s forced to decide between desire and retribution.Amazon Paperback Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/dAJ9tKiiUOQ
About the Author:
Traci is the author of paranormal romance/urban fantasy and contemporary romances featuring a sly, urban edge, including her current Seven Seals series. Her stories feature sizzling alpha-male heroes full of dark humor, quick wits and major attitudes; smart, independent heroines who always give as good as they get; and scrumptiously evil villains who are—more often than not—bent on world destruction. She enjoys weaving ancient curses and mythology, modern science and old religion, and great dialogue together to build red-hot, sizzling chemistry between her main characters.
She is an active member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), Indiana Romance Writers of America (IRWA) and Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Writers (FF&P) and is pursing a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Writing Popular Fiction through Seton Hill University. Her stories have made the final rounds in several RWA chapter contests, including the 2012 Duel on the Delta, the 2012 Molly Awards, and the 2012 Catherine Awards. An earlier draft of the first book in the Seven Seals Series, Seal of Destiny, won the paranormal category of the 2012 Marlene Awards sponsored by the Washington Romance Writers.
Other current projects include upcoming books in the Seven Seals series, a new contemporary novella series due out in early 2014, and a new futuristic suspense series with hints of the paranormal and plenty of romance.
Amazon Author Page Excerpt: “Basta!” Kagan grabbed her by the arm and twisted slightly, not enough to hurt, but enough to let her know he meant business as he directed her to a corner booth. He ignored the half-full beverages and coats scattered on the seats and shoved Mira into the confined space. When the booth’s original owners took issue with his hostile takeover, Kagan dispatched them with a lethal glare. He wasn’t sure where the girl had gotten the idea his mind was damaged, but he was damn sure he didn’t like it. He moved in behind her to block her escape.
“Oh, hell, no!” After several unsuccessful strikes to his muscled physique, Mira tried to slide out beneath the table. The angle proved too awkward. Defeated, she shoved as far away as she could into the corner and propped those killer boots on the seat in front of her in warning. “You better let me out of here, asshole, before I call the cops! I caught you stalking me, pervert!”
Kagan took a deep breath. He never lost his cool in battle, and he wasn’t about to start now. “Pervert? You’re of age, si?”
Mira glared. Kagan ticked through their earlier interactions, searching for a reason behind her intense hostility. His preternatural instincts sensed her intention before her hand reached his carotid. He blocked her quickly, locking her small hand within his and forcing it to the table beneath his own. Her pulse raced against his palm. He took another swig of beer then flashed his most endearing grin. “Let’s start over.” He released his bottle and extended his hand. “I’m Kagan.”
She refused to acquiesce. Kagan spoke in quiet tones meant to calm, to reassure. “I know I’m a stranger, but we have things to discuss.” He glanced around the crowded club, at the bodies packed tight. “We can’t do it here, though—no privacy. My apartment is close. Why don’t we go there and talk?”
Mira kicked him hard in the thigh.
“Merda!” Kagan grabbed his throbbing leg. “What’s in those damn boots? Marble?”
“Let me out of here, jackass, before I sideline your baby-maker!” Mira struggled within the tight confines of the booth. As she squirmed, the spicy scent of her shampoo wafted, and he was overcome with the strangest urge to plunge his hands into the riotous mass of her hair, to feel it curl around his fingers. She tugged on the hand pinned beneath his, and his thumb traced over her thudding veins. His heart pounding along with hers. The odd tingle sped through his torso, and his mouth turned to cotton. Her gaze blazed up at him, a swirling mix of green and golden brown. He noted the dark smudges below and wondered what kept her from slumber.
Dolce Cristo! Kagan looked away, fought for control. This was getting way out of hand. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d bedded a woman, but apparently it had been far too long.
Cover reveals are always so exciting, don't you think? Today is the cover reveal for the fourth and last book in the Falling Angels Saga by E Van Lowe. And to make it even more exciting, E Van Lowe is also giving away some great prizes during his tour! Want to know more about the series? I've got the info on all the books following this beautiful new cover:
Falling
Falling Angels Saga
Book Four
E Van Lowe
Genre: Paranormal YA
Think twice before you agree to marry Satan. There’s no divorcing the devil.
The End is Near
Will Megan Barnett go falling back into the arms of dreamy earth angel, Guy Matson? Or, is she in fact, falling in love with the demon, Orthon? Or, will her out-of-control abilities send her falling into Satan’s open arms?
In the final, heart-stopping chapter of the Falling Angels Saga, Megan Barnett is on a quest to rid her life of Satan forever, but Satan has other plans, including a lavish wedding, and he’s willing to destroy her family and everyone she loves to have his way. To add to the drama, rogue demons have risen from hell with plans of their own.
Will Megan finally have her happily-ever-after, or is she doomed to an eternity in HELL?
As Amanda Ashby, author of Zombie Queen of Newbury High, writes, “E. Van Lowe is a writing force to be reckoned with and you are in masterful hands from the first page to the last.”
Sounds exciting, am I right? And the best part is that you can enter to win your own copy of the series during this tour! E Van Lowe has some amazing prize packs to give away in the Rafflecopter below, including the beautiful jewelry pictured, an ebook prize pack of the entire series, and a paperback prize pack of the entire series.
If you are looking to get started on the series, check out Boyfriend From Hell (book one), Earth Angels (book two), and Heaven Sent (book three) first:
Aww, Hell No!
Fifteen year-old Megan Barnett and her single mom, Suze, have a special relationship—they are friends, close friends, who do almost everything together.
“But come on, guys, she’s my mother… Can I really tell her that while we’re snuggled up on the sofa watching Spider Man Three, I’m secretly undressing James Franco with my eyes? Of course not…”
The special bond takes a turn for the worse when Suze decides to start dating again. She hasn’t had a man in her life since Megan’s father left ten years ago.
Enter two mysterious young men, Megan’s new classmate, sinfully attractive bad boy, Guy Matson, and the dangerously handsome art dealer, Armando. Before long Megan and Suze both wind up in steamy relationships. But neither of the handsome guys is quite what he seems. In fact, one of them is Satan, with his sights set on a new bride. Megan has precious little time to figure out how to stop him. If she doesn’t, either Megan or Suze are quite literally going to HELL.
Heaven Can Wait!
Just because Megan Barnett recently defeated Satan, has a fantastic new best friend, and has won the love of deliciously handsome, Guy Matson, doesn’t mean her troubles are over. Far from it. For Megan doesn’t realize it, but in her possession is a powerful weapon, a weapon sought after by both angels and demons and everything in between. They will do ANYTHING to get it.
In E. Van Lowe’s humorous, romantic and thrilling sequel to Boyfriend From Hell, Megan winds up in a gripping life or death battle to save herself, the boy she loves, and all of mankind from unthinkable evil.
Megan Barnett has recently defeated Satan, found a fantastic new best friend, and has won the heart of deliciously handsome, Guy Matson. But that doesn’t mean her troubles are over. Far from it. For Megan doesn’t realize that she is in possession of a powerful paranormal weapon, a weapon sought after by both angels, demons and everything in between.
In E. Van Lowe’s romantic yet thrilling sequel to Boyfriend From Hell, Megan finds herself in a gripping life or death battle to save the boy she loves, and all of mankind from unthinkable evil.
What Does It All Mean?
Readers who devoured Boyfriend From Hell and Earth Angel will be captivated by the third book in the Falling Angels Saga.
As summer break for Glendale Union high begins, heartsick Megan awaits Guy's return while struggling to control her emerging abilities. Love is in the air, but can the new loves in Megan, Maudrina, Suze and Aunt' Jaz's life be trusted? Nothing is what it seems. Meanwhile, the Satanists are set to hatch their most diabolical scheme ever, and if it comes to pass, Satan may finally win out.
Megan has precious little time to unravel the cryptic message hidden in the riddle she received at the end of Earth Angel. If she doesn’t, the life of someone most dear to her will be lost forever, and Megan may yet find herself living in HELL.
About The Author
E. Van Lowe is an author, television writer, screen-writer, playwright and producer who has worked on such TV shows as "The Cosby Show," "Even Stevens," and "Homeboys In Outer Space." He has been nominated for both an Emmy and an Academy Award. His first YA Paranormal novel, "Never Slow Dance With A Zombie," was a selection of The Scholastic Book Club, and a nominee for an American Library Association Award. The first two books in the Falling Angels Saga: “Boyfriend From Hell” and “Earth Angel,” are best sellers. “The Zombie Always Knocks Twice” is the first book in the Hollyweird series.
In December 2014, he received a letter and certificate from the Writers Guild of America for his work on The Cosby Show, which had been selected as one of the 101 best television shows in history.
E lives in Beverly Hills California with his spouse, a werewolf, several zombies and a fairy godmother who grants him wishes from time-to-time.
Soul IntentionsLeadership and Redemption
Book One
Michael Cantwell, CCIM
Genre: Fiction, fantasy
Publisher: KSM Publishing
Amazon Book Description:Caeles Novo has lost count at how many times he has have taken a soul. He now fears his actions are not saving his existence, but damaging it. It is a painful transition when you question if your life has been a lieLeadership and Redemption
Book Two
Michael Cantwell, CCIM
Genre: Fiction, fantasy
Publisher: KSM Publishing Amazon Book Description: Caeles Novo continues his journey of seeking broken souls that he started in “Soul Intentions”. Caeles is now the leader of his disciples and must discover the mystery as to why so few soul stealers remain on earth. He learns the high cost of both leadership and success. Caeles is assigned to remove the soul of an internet blogger who is spreading false information for the President of the United States, a man who trains fighting dogs and others. He meets up with a Doctor about to cure cancer and a woman with multiple personalities. He does all this while attempting to lead his people and be a good husband and father.
Fortunate SoulLeadership and Redemption
Book Three
Michael Cantwell, CCIM
Genre: Fiction, fantasy
Publisher: KSM PublishingAmazon Book Description:In this third installment, Caeles Novo has been removed as leader of the Council. He now seeks revenge for those who have taken away his power to remove souls and is on a journey to return his disciples back to their original missionAbout the Author:
Michael Cantwell, CCIM (1958-present) is an author and commercial real estate agent in Florida as well as a published photographer. He was born in Ft. Campbell KY, raised in Trenton, NJ, graduated college at LaSalle University in Philadelphia, PA. He now resides in Palm Beach County, Florida. He is married with three children and one dog. He loves music and is a Miami Marlins, Dolphins, Panthers and Heat fan. He also enjoys strolling Florida with his camera at hand. He has served on many board of directors and volunteered many hours as a coach for baseball and basketball as well as for Junior Achievement in many schools around South Florida.Why I Write by Michael Cantwell, CCIM
Anyone who has written a poem or a short story understands how personal and rewarding writing can be. Maybe the hardest thing I had to learn to overcome wasn’t rejection but people being over critical of my work, or being plain nasty. I was speaking with someone about my books, keep in mind this was someone who had never read anything of mine, they asked me to name of any of my titles. They wanted to buy them “because they needed more toilet paper.” It was meant as a joke. I knew it right away, but it’s the lack of people’s understanding of how hard you work to produce what you hope is a good product that sometimes is difficult to overcome.
The first time I wrote a novel was because someone bet me I couldn’t write a best seller. I had never considered writing a novel before that day and had no idea the pitfalls and the highs of the journey I was about to begin. Yes, I wrote the book on a bet, but it was written for me. I had no idea about demographics or who my future audience would be. It was purely because someone told me it couldn’t be done. It wasn’t until the book was complete that I ever heard the words “query letter”, or cared.
There are roadblocks on every stop along the way of writing a book. But tell me anything worth doing that doesn’t have roadblocks. Over time, I know my style has changed. I now write far more dialogue then I did in my first book. Sometimes I even purposely go overboard with accents or create over the top characters. It’s not that I don’t have an audience in mind now when I write, but I still have to write for me. Years ago, when I was first starting out as a real estate agent, I had an instructor tell me that if you do your job and do it well, the money will come. Don’t do it for the money. Do it because you enjoy it and want to help others. Only then, will you be rewarded. I now have the same philosophy with my writing. The first time someone came to me and told me they enjoyed reading my book and I knew they were sincere, was one of the greatest highs I had ever experienced. There will be more lows in the future, but when they happen, I remind myself of one of my readers who keeps all my books on his phone, so he can read them whenever he is down. I make his day, he makes mine knowing I created something that touched a stranger so deeply. Keep living your dream. I do every day.
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Today, I am passing the Thursday Takeover torch over to Jamie Ayres. She's here to interview her characters Olga and Nate from 18 Truths. Before she starts, let's get to know her books and a bit about her first.
Lying is unbearable, betrayal is inevitable, and choosing which path to take is impossible.
Olga Gay Worontzoff ended her senior year as an eighteen-year-old girl totally in love with Nate, enjoying their new romance and about to attend the university of her dreams. Now she’s spending her summer in the weird subculture of the Underworld, with charmingly witty and powerful angels, and problematic demons, trying to rescue Connor, the best friend and secret crush she was unable to save during a freak accident.
But Nate has other things on his mind, mainly Grace. She’s their first assignment as joint spirit guides, and Olga’s feeling hurt and jealous. His mysterious behavior has Olga questioning everything she believed about him and now she must decide whether to stick to their plan, or follow her heart.
Unfortunately, a series of mistakes threatens everyone around her and plants Olga in the center of cosmic events much larger than she ever imagined.
Only one thing is certain: the chilling truths uncovered during her journey will leave no one untouched.
18 Truths Book Trailer Goodreads Amazon Barnes & Noble About the Author:
Jamie Ayres writes young adult paranormal love stories by night and teaches young adults as a Language Arts middle school teacher by day. When not at home on her laptop or at school, she can often be found at a local book store grabbing random children and reading to them. So far, she has not been arrested for this. Although she spent her youthful summers around Lake Michigan, she now lives in Florida with her prince charming, two children (sometimes three based on how Mr. Ayres is acting), and a basset hound. She really does have grandmothers named Olga and Gay but unlike her heroine, she's thankfully not named after either one of them. She loves lazy pajama days, the first page of a good book, stupid funny movies, and sharing stories with fantastic people like you. Her books include the first two installments of her trilogy, 18 Things and 18 Truths. Visit her online via Twitter, Facebook, or at www.jamieayres.com.
Hi, Olga and Nate! Thanks so much for meeting with me today at Jumpin’ Java!
Olga: Thank you for having us. *smiles sheepishly*
Nate: Yeah, thanks for inviting us, Jamie. You know how to pick a meeting place! *squeezes Olga’s hand and takes a swig of coffee*
So I have lots of questions . . . let’s get started…
Can you describe your summer in the Underworld in three words?
Olga: Um, no way is three words enough. Intense. Vivid. Freaky. Serious. Fun. Dishonest. Truthful. Cowardly. Brave. Passionate. Troubled. Bittersweet. Cute.
Nate: Cute? I hope you’re talking about me.
Olga: *blushes* I was thinking of our angel boss actually. *winks*
Nate: OMG! I can’t believe you actually just said that.
I definitely agree with her assessment! The whole time Olga ignored Riel, I was like, “Over here! I’ll take you!” *waves hands wildly while Nate glares at me* But, you know I love you too, Nate. Speaking of love, what do you love the most about each other?
Olga: His ocean colored eyes. His coffee colored hair. His wide smile. How I feel when I’m with him—like I can be anything I want to be.
Nate: Definitely her smoking hot body.
Olga: Seriously?
Nate: Yeah, but also the way she cares so fiercely for her friends . . . even if I don’t always agree with the lengths she’ll go to . . . to help a certain someone.
Olga: *clears throat* Next question please!
Nate, if you could take Olga anywhere, where would it be and why?
Nate: I want to take her to Mackinac Island again. Except this time, we’d go alone on our own private yacht. And we’d room together. And I wouldn’t get wasted so I could stay up all night holding her. We’d lay out on the top deck and stargaze. *grins at Olga*
Olga: He’s so sweet, isn’t he?
The sweetest! What about you, Olga?
Olga: I’d take him to Asheville. We spent parts of our summer there, but we were on a spirit guide assignment and didn’t really get to enjoy the sights. But it’s such a beautiful area! I’d love to see it in the fall.
Perfect answers! What’s the silliest thing you’ve ever done?
Olga: *grins* Nate and I once tricked our friends into thinking I’d been bitten by a rabid otter!
Nate: That was classic. But not as silly as when I released two hundred monkey bouncy balls in the halls at Grand Haven High!
Olga: Hahaha! “I’ve never seen so many balls in my life! How are we ever going to get rid of all these monkey balls?” I’ll never forget Principal Matthews yelling that into his walkie-talkie.
Best senior prank ever! Can you guys share one memory of each other that really stuck with you?
Olga: The time Nate punched Dave in the face. I’d never had anyone rescue me before.
Nate: You hardly needed my rescuing. If I recall, you’d already slapped him pretty hard.
Olga: That was liberating. But really, you rescued me again and again. Now that I think about it, you rescued me from the day I met you at the therapist office. I’d been so lost, and you found a way to reach me.
Nate: I *rubs the back of his neck* Geez, Olga, are you trying to make me cry?
Olga: *laughs* Maybe
Nate: I think the memory of you that really sticks out is Prom.
Olga: Because it was our first kiss?
Nate: No, because it was awkward.
Olga: *leans back*What do you mean?
Nate: You organized that weird Flash Freeze Mob and everyone was staring at me. I kept waiting for Howie Mandel to jump out and tell me you guys organized an insta wedding for us!
Olga: *throws head back in laughter* You would’ve said yes!
Nate: As long as I still got to dance and kiss you *leans in and gives Olga a quick peck on the cheek*
Those are wonderful memories! What do you think was the worst thing about this past summer together?
Nate: I should’ve never listened to Riel. Also, I think how Olga didn’t trust me enough to tell me the truth.
Olga: Yeah, I pretty much turned into one big liar for a month.
Nate: But that’s not who you are. You lied to yourself, too, and you were trying to spare my feelings.
Olga: And Conner’s.
Nate: I want to change my answer. Conner was the worst thing about my summer.
Olga: *sighs* Do you think you could ever find it in your heart to try to be friends, or at least act friendly, with him? For my sake?
Nate: *sings Meatloaf lyrics* I would do anything for love, but I won’t do that!
I can’t really blame you, Nate. A lot of stuff went down this summer during your time in the Underworld. .. do you guys have any regrets? Anything you wish you could change?
Olga: That I didn’t tell Nate how I felt from the start about the real reason I agreed to become a spirit guide.
Nate: I’d be more truthful, too. If I could go back in time, I’d have explained the real situation with Grace. I care about Olga so much, but from my actions, I led her to believe I didn’t care about her at all.
Olga: I did spend most of the summer being so confused by everything, but deep down, I think I always knew you were the one who cared for me the most.
Nate: That’s right, and Conner better remember that.
Well, I have to run! You two enjoy your day together! *throws down a ten dollar bill* Enjoy some lattes on me! No matter how tough your journey gets . . . always remember that coffee is your friend
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Eden Forest Book One of the Saskia Trilogy
Aoife Marie Sheridan
Four banished Angels,
A world created by the hands of God,
A Kingdom on its knees,
A secret protected for centuries,
And one mortal can save them all.
Step into Saskia.
City of Secrets Book Two of the Saskia Trilogy
Aoife Marie Sheridan
A war awaits her arrival,
A warrant for her arrest.
She must rise as a princess,
And Darkness shall fall.
But will their love survive this battle?
For Tristan and Sarajane?
Step back into Saskia.
About the Author:
Aoife Marie Sheridan is twenty eight years of age. She lives in Kells, Co. Meath, a small town just outside Navan. Aoife was raised in Navan but left with her family at the age of sixteen. Aoife has always had a passion for writing but mostly poetry. This is her first time to write a novel.
Aoife Marie Sheridan studied Accountancy and qualified as an accountant technician. She worked in this profession for several years but with the economic downturn she was made redundant.
Aoife Marie Sheridan now spends endless hours reading and writing.
Aoife Marie Sheridan’s first novel Eden Forest placed first in writers got talent.
Excerpt:
I put my head down against the rain and hoped they would let me pass. No need to panic yet, I told myself. As I drew closer, Saul stepped closer, his fists hanging at his side. Rain had soaked the men, but they didn’t seem to notice or care. I stopped a few feet away and looked up as they moved around me.
“Are you lost, lass?” Saul asked. He didn’t look as if he had drunk anything. “Give us all your money and you can be on your way.”
I didn’t have anything on me and I told them as much. Saul removed a small dagger. “You don’t want me to mess up that pretty face, so do as I say.”
The others had created a full circle around me, barricading me against escape. Their breaths filled my breathing space; alcohol hit me like a slap on the face… along with the knowledge that drunk men were dangerous men.
“I said give me your money now!” Saul warned me one last time.
I looked around, trying to see if I could see anyone, but their large forms blocked my view. I tried to relax my racing heart and felt for my dagger. I had to keep it together.
“I’m afraid I have nothing to offer you, except…” my stomach turned as I mimicked Dea’s actions, running my hand aimlessly along his chest, but that’s as far as I went.
Saul laughed.
“You don’t interest me,” his face turned into a snarl as he grabbed my waist, bringing his knife closer.
I was out of options. I slid my knife with my free hand out of my waist band. A large hand grabbed my other wrist.
I turned to the man behind me. He squeezed my wrist until I dropped the knife.
“Not so fast,” he said. The sky lit up with lightening and a rumble ripped through the night. I felt it vibrate deep within me. I wasn’t sure how to use my so-called powers, but there was no time like the present. I looked at Saul and raised my hands slowly. I let the fear of the situation become alive on my face.
“Okay, I’ll give you everything I have,” I said.
He gave me a toothy smile and turned to his comrades as if to say now that’s how it’s done.
“Good choice,” Saul said, still smiling. I felt the storm build up inside me, as well as around us. The rumble of the thunder sounded overhead, giving a deafening crash. The men jumped as the lighting flashed across the sky. The storm was growing angry now.
Saul lifted his knife again to my throat. “Hurry up!” he shouted as the storm was working up.
The tip of his blade cut me, releasing red droplets of blood. I willed the lighting to strike, and it did, three feet away, causing the men to fall with the impact. Two of them ran for their lives, but when Saul looked up at me from the ground, his eyes held suspicion. So much for going under the radar.
But he wasn’t done. He rose and made a leap for me, grabbing me around the throat. I stamped on his toe hard. He yelled but didn’t loosen his grip, causing my cut to burn now.
I got my hands above his, reached for his eyes and pushed them in with my fingers. He screamed and let go as lighting struck beside him, blasting him off his feet.
He stood, shaking his head, as if to make sense of what was happening. The next fork of lighting struck his friend, whose screams were covered by the loud rumbles of thunder and the crack of lighting.
The smell of cooked flesh filled the night air. The man lay on the ground, convulsing. Saul raced toward me and hit me with as much force as possible into the face, knocking me to the ground.
I could feel the gush of blood from my nose, and my head swam from the impact. I felt the storm leaving, moving on, as I lost contact with it. My dagger lay only a foot away. I started to crawl even against the dizziness I was now faced with.
“Running away are we? Had your fun?” Saul said.
I looked back as he made his way toward me, rain pouring down on top of him. He hadn’t seen my knife; he thought I was trying to crawl away. When I reached the knife, I lay my body on top of it. Saul’s heavy foot came down on my back, pushing my face into the soaked ground.
He lifted it and grabbed me by the head of the hair, making me look at him. My hand felt for the knife and I tightened my fingers firmly around it.
Saul’s hand tightened around his own knife, and he brought it to my face.
“I’ll mess up that pretty face of yours,” he said as he still held me up by my hair.
I knew I had to act. I drove the knife into his foot that stood firmly beside me. He screamed and there were no rumbles of thunder to cover his cries.
My head lulled back as his grip faltered.
A figure moved toward us swiftly and quietly, face covered by a hood, but I could tell it was Tristan. I would know his movements and build anywhere. He silenced Saul by snapping his neck. Saul’s body fell to the ground. Tristan removed my dagger from his foot and helped me stand, wrapping an arm around my waist. I felt disoriented from the punch Saul had given me; warm blood made a trail from my nose down to my chin and dripped like a tap onto my rain soaked clothes.
This week's Feature Friday is a bit different than usual and very exciting! Laurie Olerich is here to introduce us to the characters of her novel
Call The Lightning. And to giveaway some awesome prizes too!
Call the LightningPrimani
Book Two
Laurie Olerich
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Laurie Olerich
Cover Artist: Angela Bauer
Amazon Kindle Amazon Print Book Description:
Bound by blood and flame...
Mica Thomas is not having a good year. First, her Primani Sean vanishes without a trace. Second, a sadistic demon wants to use her as leverage. Third, her totally unwanted powers are making her nuts. And then there’s Killian...his eyes hold secrets that confuse her and his every touch sends her blood racing out of control.
Killian has secrets--a lot of them. With Sean MIA, it’s up to him to keep Mica safe while her powers evolve. His protection takes a dangerous turn when she becomes a pawn in the game. Desperate to keep her alive, he drags her into his private world of ancient power and bloody altars with devastating consequences.
With their minds and bodies connected, is there room for Sean?
About the Author:
Laurie Olerich is the author of the new Primani series. Part urban fantasy, part romance, part paranormal...Three things she can’t live without! Laurie spent most of her life in the Northeastern United States and in Western Europe. She now lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her son and Dalmatian duo, Domino and Rambo.
Desperate to escape the heat, she lives vicariously through Mica and her Primani by setting their adventures in the mountain coolness of New England and the rainy days of London. Before throwing caution to the wind and diving into a writing career, Laurie dedicated 20 years to her country by serving in the United States Air Force. Much of her time was spent around men with guns and cool toys...this explains her obsession with both.
Meet the characters from Call the Lightning!
Name: Mica ThomasJob: Human, Ops Specialist, Empath
Maker: Biologically, her human parents, but her
powers come from Sean and Killian
Key Skills: Observation, Marksmanship, Krav Maga
Psychic Powers: Remote Viewing, Telekinesis,
Mindreading, Healing, Precognition, Clairvoyance
Weapons: Sig Sauer P229, Bowie Knife, Silver Primani Blade
Weaknesses: Primani with attitude
Background: Irish/German
Favorite Accessory: Heart-Shaped Locket
Name: Sean O’CahanJob: Primani, Tactical Expert
Maker: Raphael
Key Skills: Hand-to-Hand Combat, Explosives, Martial Arts
Primani Powers: Controlling Behavior, Adjusting memories,
Teleporting, Ghosting, Mindreading, Telekinesis
Weapons: Silver Primani Blade, 10-inch Military Knife,
Sig Sauer P250, H&K 417 Rifle
Weaknesses: Pride, Camaros, Mica
Background: Irish Druid/German Celt
Favorite Accessory: Combat Boots
Name: Killian LeahyJob: Primani, New England Special Ops Div Commander
Maker: Raphael
Key Skills: Interrogation, Mission Planning
Primani Powers: Teleporting, Ghosting, Mindreading, Adjusting Memories, Telekinesis
Bloodline Powers: Controls Natural Elements, Bends Astral Planes, Communicates with Ancient Gods, Master of Sgaine Dutre and Sgaine Eiron
Weapons: Sgaine Dutre and Sgaine Eiron, Sig Sauer P250 .40 Caliber, Silver Primani Blade
Weaknesses: What the hell is a ‘weakness?’
Background: Irish (Bronze Age)
Favorite Accessory: Faded Concert T-Shirts
Name: Declan ManningJob: Primani, Demolitions Expert
Maker: Raphael
Key Skills: Explosives, Marksmanship
Primani Powers: Altering Moods, Healing, Influencing Behavior, Ghosting, Teleporting
Weapons: Silver Primani Blade, 8-inch Military Knife, H&K 417 Rifle, Glock 37
Weaknesses: Surfable Waves, Crying Women, Chili
Background: Irish Celt
Favorite Accessory: Black Oakleys
Name: Dani TaylorJob: Human
Maker: Sara Taylor and an unknown hot guy from the 70s
Key Skills: Getting What She Wants
Weapons: Killer Dimples
Weaknesses: Being Mica’s Best Friend
Background: Danish/Irish
Favorite Accessory: Aric
a Rafflecopter giveaway
It's Takeover Thursday! Today author Marisa Cleveland is stopping by to talk about the year of the novella and give away some prizes! She's also got a great list of novellas for you to check out. Be sure to read
Pushed first, which just came out January 20th.
PushedA Bloodlines Novella
Marisa Cleveland
Genre: ParanormalPublisher: Simeris AllianceDate of Publication: January 20, 2014Amazon Book Description:
Time is not on everyone’s side…
Mortal mess-up Lucy Markson makes one tiny miscalculation and her soul ends up belonging to an evil demon. Forced to serve the newly fallen angels recruited by her master, she must take one of the fallen through the seven deadly sins.
Fallen angel Sawyer Succendo didn’t jump from heaven. He was pushed. And now he’s lost everything, including his halo – which contains his earthbound soul.
In a race with an evil demon to claim his lost halo, Sawyer must trust a woman designed for sin – literally. Learning the true power of free will, Sawyer just might save them both, if he can keep his mind on the plan and his hands to himself.
But if he can’t find his halo and save the girl, then he’ll be grounded forever.
About the Author:
Marisa Cleveland loves to laugh, hates to cry, and does both often. As a writer, she writes. Every day. If she couldn’t express herself through writing, music, and dance, she would die. She believes romance novels are the perfect “how to” books, because no matter the obstacles, the characters keep working toward their happily ever after. She loves to connect with writers and readers through social media.
THE YEAR OF THE NOVELLA by Marisa Cleveland
"It's better to have less than organize more."
For 2014, I'm focusing on downsizing. Actually, I've been downsizing for many years.
It all started in 1999 in Fairfax, Virginia, when my hubby and I thought we needed to fit in. We bought big... and we've been downsizing ever since.
From 3,800 square feet to 2,881 square feet, I've lost a lot of "stuff" over the years. But I don't miss any of it, and after browsing the Naples Charity Register, I'm more than excited to champion charities close to my heart.
So... In honor of downsizing, I'm giving away novellas, the downsized version of the novel.
Everyone who comments on this blog will have the chance to win, and it's an exclusive giveaway happening on this blog today only!
Steps to enter:
1. Comment on this blog - any kind of comment - what you love about the blog, what you love to read, what you're reading now, what you plan to do this weekend, anything... just a comment.
2. Check back throughout the day to see who the winners are.
If you win an ebook, you will be asked to email [email protected] with the email where you'd like the book gifted. All ebooks will be gifted from Amazon.
Here is an incomplete list of the enovellas I"ve read and loved and want to share with you!!!
A CURSED MOON: A WEIRD GIRLS NOVELLA by Cecy Robson
A LITTLE BIT CUPID by Jennifer Shirk
CAN'T LET GO by Jessica Lemmon
IF YOU DARE by Jessica Lemmon
IN THE SERVICE OF THE KING by Laura Kaye
ON HIS LIST by Wendy Sparrow
PLAINLY MURDER by Isabella Alan
PUSHED by Marisa Cleveland
SECRET SANTA BABY by Robin Covington
SUCCUBUS LOST by Tiffany Allee
THE VALENTINE CHALLENGE by Marisa Cleveland
THE WEIRD GIRLS: A NOVELLA by Cecy Robson
TURN TO DARKNESS by Jaime Rush
WILD HEARTS by Tina Wainscott
Thanks so much for stopping by! I love to connect with people on social media, so I hope you'll find me and say hi!
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Today is the cover reveal for Britni Hill's new novel, Hushed, due out in March. And you guys...this cover? Wow! Seriously. Stay tuned, because there will be more on this novel soon!
Blurb:
When Tess meets step-brothers Blake and Jason, their differences and her past push her toward Jason even though she’s instantly drawn to Blake. Tess quickly learns people aren’t always who they seem to be when her relationship with Jason ends.
A spring break trip pushes Blake and Tess together leaving them unable to deny the way they feel for each other. While they fall for one another Tess’ history with Jason leads them to try to keep their growing relationship a secret from their friends. Sneaking around and hiding behind doors adds a certain spark, but they both feel the countdown ticking, leaving them wondering when it will all come out and what will happen.
An angry Jason spills a secret from his and Blake’s past that makes Tess question how real her relationship with Blake was. Secrets can ruin everything.
Can the truth bring them back together?
Add Hushed to your TBR list on Goodreads here!
About the Author:
Britni is the author of Tears in the Rubble and From the Rubble which were originally released by Rebel Ink Press in 2012. They have recently been combined and re-released as a second edition.
Britni is a licensed cosmetologist and an admitted book addict. She's been writing and reading since she learned how.
She’s always had an active imagination and now she gets to put it to use by sharing the stories in her head with the world. She is hard at work on her next release and counting down the days until she can share it with you.
Britni’s inspirations come from the lively and interesting world around her. Friends and family add to the stories in her head constantly. Her love of music, movies, art, and people watching spark her ideas and help give them shape. Britni's goal is to use real life to shape realistic, engaging characters and stories.
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